• The history behind the development of the Kuranda Scenic Railway is extraordinary. Be sure to pay attention to the commentary while on board
• Flexibility to choose which iconic Cairns experience – the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, or the Kuranda Scenic Railway – you’d like to travel aboard first; how early you’d like to start your day; and how much time you’d like to spend in Kuranda
• Skip the queue tickets for pre-allocated carriage seating on the Kuranda Train and express check in for the Skyrail, discount vouchers for Kuranda attractions

This self-drive option from Port Douglas allows you to select which iconic experience through our World Heritage listed rainforest you’d like to travel aboard first - the Scenic Railway or Skyrail. Choose how much time you’d like to spend exploring Kuranda.

This is the perfect self-drive Kuranda tour from Port Douglas and regardless of whether you travel to Kuranda Village on the Skyrail or the Kuranda Train Scenic Rail first, you’ll meet at the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal sheltered bus stop for check-in.

It’s here that you will also receive your details of your self-drive day tour to Kuranda and recieve all your travel documentation. 

Skip the queue tickets with pre-allocated carriage seating on the Kuranda Scenic Train, express tickets on Skyrail, and BONUS discount vouchers to the Kuranda Village attractions and multi lingual information.  

If you’re travelling aboard the Skyrail Gondola first, you’ll make your way to the boarding queue. Before you know it, you’ll be gliding over Kuranda rainforest canopy taking in spectacular views of the Coral See, Cairns, and surrounding tropical landscape.

If travelling on the Kuranda train first, a coach will transfer you to Freshwater Train Station to board your assigned carriage and seat.

Once at the quaint village, explore at your leisure. Venture along one of the many walking tracks, visit the daily Kuranda Heritage Markets, grab a bite to eat at one of the cafés, or cuddle a koala at the Koala Gardens.

The historic Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway winds through tunnels, past thick rainforest, and waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines; an incredible way to travel between Cairns and Kuranda

Kuranda Self Drive Tour Meeting Point

After your drive from Port Douglas, along the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive, you’ll meet your host at the covered bus stop at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s Smithfield Terminal, located on the Captain Cook Highway.

The meeting times vary from as early as 7.50am through to 11.30am, depending on which mode of transport you’ve chosen to ride aboard to Kuranda, and how much time you’d like to spend exploring the ‘Village in the Rainforest’.

If you’ve chosen to travel to Kuranda on the Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway first, your host will double up as your driver, not only providing you with details of your day, but transferring you to Freshwater Station to board your assigned seat.  

All Aboard The Kuranda Train

As you climb to Kuranda Village in the Rainforest, located 330m above sea level, you’ll make your way along the historic Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway route through tunnels, across bridges, past thick rainforest, and waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines.

Passing breathtaking views, you’ll understand how lives were lost during the construction of this magnificent railway line in the late 1800s.

It’s a spectacular journey, made even more so by the informative audio commentary, which brings the stories of the Kuranda railway to life.

The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, which includes a stop along the way at the Barron Falls lookout for about 10 minutes.

If you’ve chosen to travel on the Skyrail rainforest gondola first you’ll simply enter the terminal and join the boarding queue.

There is no need to check-in as you would’ve already done so with your host. 

Kuranda The Village in the Rainforest

Once you’ve arrived at Kuranda, explore at your own leisure. The thriving café scene means there are plenty of options for a bite to eat, including Frogs Restaurant, located at the Heritage Markets.

The daily, all-weather markets are a testament to the ingrained arts culture of the village.  You’ll find plenty of local arts and craft, souvenirs, and more. Or explore one of the many walking trails surrounding the village, suitable for every age and fitness level.

Go on a riverside stroll, further into the rainforest, or to one of the lookouts. Or explore one of the top wildlife attractions, including Birdworld, Australia’s largest butterfly sanctuary, and the Kuranda Koala Gardens.

Your host will provide you with discount vouchers are provided as part of the Kuranda Boarding Pass; however, the price of final entry is at your own expense. 

Homeward Bound

If travelling about the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for the return trip home, you’ll glide over rainforest canopy while enjoying panoramic views of the Coral Sea and waterfalls. You’ll stop at two rainforest stations along the way. The first is Barron Falls Station. Here you’ll have access to the CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Red Peak Station is the second, where you can enjoy a complimentary ranger-guided tour.

Once you’ve arrived at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, you’ll be able to jump in your car and head on home back to beautiful Port Douglas. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Port Douglas

Departure Instructions

• Meet your guide/driver at the covered bus stop at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s Smithfield Terminal for check-in and to receive details on your day
• Do not go into the Skyrail Terminal for check-in

Destinations

Kuranda

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Closed Christmas Day
Will close in severe weather conditions, and during planned, preventative maintenance

Duration

From 1.5 to 5 hours in Kuranda Village

Fitness Level Required

Low

Additional Information

Kuranda Boarding Pass can be provided in one of the following languages: German, Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese

Eco Certifications

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Insect repellant
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water Bottle
• Cash or card for snacks, meals and drinks
• Camera (charged)

• Children 3 and under travel free
• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children
• 2nd Child Travels Free

50% cancellation fee for any cancellations within 24 hours of travel, or for passengers who fail to appear on the day of departure